Mushroom Identification

The fruiting body is funnel- or trumpet-shaped (hence its common names), reaching up to 10 cm (4 inches) in height, occasionally up to 15 cm (6 inches). The cap blends smoothly into the stem, making the division between them indistinct.

The cap ranges from 2 to 9 cm (0.8 to 3.5 inches) in diameter, with rolled-out, uneven edges. As the mushroom ages, the edges become more irregular, thin, and brittle, sometimes cracking. The color varies from yellowish and grayish-brown to black, and the surface is rarely smooth, often wrinkled and sometimes scaly.

The gills are barely noticeable. The hymenophore is nearly smooth or slightly wrinkled, with striations. It has a matte or waxy texture and is typically lighter than the cap, with a bluish-gray, ashy tint.

The hollow stem tapers slightly towards the base and may be curved. Its surface is similar to the hymenophore but may be less waxy and without the pronounced bluish-gray hue.

The flesh is thin, fragile, fibrous, and ranges in color from gray to brown or black.

In groups or clusters.

Spore print is white, creamy, yellowish-white, sometimes pinkish

It predominantly grows in deciduous forests, usually near beech or oak trees, but can also be found under other trees and in coniferous forests.

Mild, pleasant, but not particularly distinctive.